Fluid control assemblies for sprinkler systems

ABSTRACT

Automatic fluid control assemblies and methods for fire protection include an arrangement of electrically operated control points, a valve body and a controller to operate the fluid control assembly. The automatic fluid control assembly has an inlet, an outlet and a valve body to control flow between the inlet and the outlet. An electric latch includes a first electrically operated control point and a second electrically operated control point in fluid communication with a control line to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the valve body and outlet. The methods of fluid control include controlling a plurality of electrically operated control points to perform any one of: a leak test, a trip test, a flow test, a water delivery test, and a validation test of a non-trip condition and a trip condition.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is an international application claiming the benefit ofpriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/032,896, filed on Aug.4, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to fire protection systems andmore specifically to fluid control risers or assemblies for fireprotection systems.

BACKGROUND ART

Water based fire protection systems are largely mechanical devices thatmay have some electronic switches for control. For example, TYCO FIREPROTECTION PRODUCTS Technical Data Sheet, “TFP1465: Preaction Systemwith Model DV-5 Deluge Valve Double Interlock—Electric/ElectricActuation 1½ thru 8 Inch (DN40 thru DN200)” (May 2009) shows a doubleinterlock preaction fire protection system with a valve and check valveriser assembly that includes a releasing trim that uses a solenoid valvethat is operated by energizing the releasing circuit of a releasingpanel.

Despite the use of some electrical switches, the large mechanicaldevices of the valve trim can occupy a large amount of space for thesystem installation. Accordingly, it would be desirable to useelectrical components and control to reduce the installation spacerequirements. The use of mechanical components in the valve trim for theoperation and control can also place limits on personnel to maintain andtroubleshoot the system. In particular, personnel are required toobserve and operate the mechanical devices at the site of theinstallation in order to maintain, diagnose problems and troubleshootthe system.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of an automatic fluid control assembly areprovided for use in fire protection systems and methods. The preferredfluid control assemblies include an arrangement of electrically operatedcontrol points and fluid detectors coupled to a valve body and incommunication with a controller to detect and control the flow of fluidthrough the chambers and ports of the valve body to preferably remotelyoperate, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot the fluid control assemblyand fire protection systems in which the assembly is installed.Moreover, by electrically coupling the automatic fluid controlassemblies with a controller capable of remote communication, systemanomalies and operating parameters can be reported remotely to notifyconcerned parties and personnel. Accordingly, the preferred embodimentscan eliminate or significantly reduce the need for visual confirmationor observation at the site of the system to maintain the assembly andfire protection system. Particular embodiments of the fluid controlassembly include a preferred arrangement of two electrically operatedcontrol points that control the pressure within a fluid chamber of afluid controlled valve in order to operate the valve and provide apreferred electric latch that maintains the valve open in the event of apower loss.

A preferred automatic fluid control assembly has an inlet and an outlet,which define an unactuated state of the assembly in which the inlet issealed from the outlet and an actuated state of the assembly in whichthe inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet. The assemblyfurther preferably includes a fluid pressure biased diaphragm valve bodythat has an internal seat and an internal diaphragm member for engagingthe seat to control flow between the inlet and the outlet. The diaphragmmember defines a fluid chamber to control the engagement between thediaphragm member and the seat. The assembly further preferably includesa fluid control line having one end in fluid communication with theinlet and another end in communication with the diaphragm chamber. Apreferred electric latch includes a first electrically operated controlpoint and a second electrically operated control point in fluidcommunication with the control line to control the flow of fluid fromthe inlet to the diaphragm chamber. The first control point in theunactuated state of the automatic fluid control assembly preferablydefines a normally energized open configuration to place the inlet influid communication with the fluid chamber for pressurizing the fluidchamber to provide a sealed engagement between the diaphragm member andthe internal seat. In the actuated state of the automatic valve, thefirst control point defines a de-energized closed configuration toprevent pressurization of the diaphragm chamber. The second electricallyoperated control point in the unactuated state of the automatic valvedefines a preferably normally dc-energized closed configuration toprevent the release of pressure from the diaphragm chamber to maintainthe sealed engagement between the diaphragm member and the internalseat. In the actuated state of the automatic assembly, the secondcontrol point preferably defines an energized open configuration torelease pressure from the diaphragm chamber such that the diaphragmmember disengages the internal seat to permit fluid flow from the inletto the outlet. In the preferred embodiment, the first and secondelectrically operated control points are electrically operated solenoidvalves.

In preferred embodiments of the fluid control assembly, a fluid detectormonitors fluid flow downstream of the internal seat. The fluid detectoris coupled to the first electrically operated control point tode-energize the first electrically operated control point upon detectinga fluid flow. Alternatively, the first and/or the second electricallyoperated control point change configuration in response to a firedetector such that the first control point dc-energizes closed and thesecond control point energizes open. In one preferred aspect, the firstand second electrically operated control points change configurationssubstantially simultaneously.

In preferred embodiments, the automatic fluid control assembly definesan intermediate chamber between the inlet and the outlet. In oneparticular embodiment, a check valve is coupled to the diaphragm valvebody. In the particular embodiment, the check valve defines the outlet,the diaphragm valve body defines the inlet, the check valve and thediaphragm valve body defines an intermediate chamber between the checkvalve and the diaphragm valve body. In an alternate embodiment of theassembly, the internal seat of the diaphragm valve body defines anoutlet seat and an inlet seat with an intermediate chamber between theinlet and outlet seat. In preferred embodiments, the assemblies furtherpreferably include an inlet port proximate the inlet and a first fluiddetector coupled to the inlet port, an outlet port is proximate theoutlet and a second fluid detector is coupled to the outlet port. Anintermediate port is proximate the intermediate chamber and a thirdfluid detector is preferably coupled to the intermediate port. For thepreferred embodiments of the automatic fluid control assembly, acontroller can be coupled to each of the first, second and third fluiddetectors. The controller preferably configures each of the first,second and third fluid detectors for periodic monitoring to determine atleast one of an operation or defect in the fluid control assembly.

The preferred embodiments of the automatic fluid control assemblies canprovide for any one of a wet, a deluge, a dry pipe or preaction fireprotection system. The preferred system include a fluid supply, aplurality of fire protection sprinklers interconnected by a network ofpipes, a plurality of fire and fluid detectors and a controller coupledto the plurality of detectors and control points of the assembly. In apreferred embodiment, the plurality of detectors include resettingdetectors that detect when heat from a fire has substantially diminishedwith the controller coupled to the resetting detectors and the pluralityof electrically controlled points to control operation of the pluralityof electrically controlled points based upon monitored data from thereset detectors to automatically reset the fluid control assembly whenthe heat from a fire is substantially diminished.

Preferred methods of automatic fluid control of a fire protection systemare provided. A preferred method includes using an electrically poweredfluid control assembly defining an inlet and an outlet with a valve bodyhaving a fluid chamber for controlling the fluid communication betweenthe inlet and the outlet. A first electrically operated control point isin fluid communication with the fluid chamber and a second electricallyoperated control point is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.The preferred methods include automatically energizing the first controlpoint in a normally open configuration with the second control point inthe normally de-energized closed configuration to pressurize the fluidchamber such that the inlet is sealed from the outlet in an unactuatedstate of the fire protection system; and automatically energizing thesecond control point to an open configuration and de-energizing thefirst control point to a closed configuration to reduce the pressure inthe fluid chamber to trip the fluid control assembly and electricallylatch the inlet into fluid communication with the outlet in an actuatedstate of the fire protection system. The preferred methods furtherinclude monitoring fluid conditions at any one of the inlet, outlet andfluid chamber and remotely controlling a plurality of electricallyoperated control points in response to the monitored fluid condition.Each control point is in fluid communication with any one of the inlet,outlet and fluid chamber to remotely perform any one of: a leak test, atrip test, a flow test, a water delivery test, performance validationtest including any one of validation of a non-trip condition and a tripcondition. Where the fluid control assembly defines an intermediatechamber in between the inlet and the outlet, the monitoring preferablyincludes monitoring the fluid conditions of the intermediate chamber andthe remote controlling includes remotely controlling a control point influid communication with the intermediate chamber in response to themonitored fluid conditions of the intermediate chamber so as to providean automatic drain.

A preferred embodiment of the method includes performing a remote triptest including: simulating a fire condition and an air loss condition ata controller coupled to each of the first and second control points;detecting fluid flow to an intermediate chamber of the fluid controlassembly between the inlet and the outlet; and energizing a thirdcontrol point in fluid communication with the outlet to an openconfiguration so as not to flood piping of the fire protection system.The trip test can be recorded by the system controller. Anotherpreferred aspect of the method includes automatically resetting thefluid control assembly, which includes detecting a resetting condition;de-energizing the second control point to the closed configuration inresponse to the resetting condition; and energizing the first controlpoint to the open configuration in response to the resetting conditionto seal the inlet from the outlet. In one preferred aspect ofautomatically resetting, the method includes energizing a third controlpoint in fluid communication with the outlet to an open configuration inresponse to the inlet being sealed from the outlet to drain systempiping; monitoring the outlet for atmospheric pressure; andde-energizing the third control to a closed configuration.Alternatively, the method of resetting includes monitoring the outletpressure for system gas pressure in the unactuated state of the fireprotection system.

Although the Disclosure of the Invention and the preferred systems andmethods can provide for electrically operated components and control ofa releasing trim using a deluge valve like the Model DV-5 Deluge Valve,it is to be understood that the preferred systems and method can providefor fluid control assemblies and methods using other valve bodies or tocontrol the flow between other fluid control components. The Disclosureof the Invention is provided as a general introduction to someembodiments of the invention, and is not intended to be limiting to anyparticular configuration or system. It is to be understood that variousfeatures and configurations of features described in the Disclosure ofthe Invention can be combined in any suitable way to form any number ofembodiments of the invention. Some additional preferred embodimentsincluding variations and alternative configurations are provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and together, with the general description given above andthe detailed description given below, serve to explain the features ofthe invention, it should be understood that the preferred embodimentsare some examples of the invention as provided by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of preferred embodiments of a fluid controlassembly.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of another preferred embodiment of a fluidcontrol assembly.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a preferred deluge system having the fluidcontrol assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a preferred dry pipe system having analternate embodiment of the fluid control assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a preferred double-interlock preactionsystem having the fluid control assembly of FIG. 2.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Shown in FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of an automatic fluid controlassembly 10 for use in a fire protection system in order to control theflow of a firefighting fluid from a source to a piping network ofinterconnected of fire protection sprinklers. The preferred controlassembly 10 includes an inlet 10 a to which the fluid can be supplied,an outlet 10 b from which the fluid is discharged and a valve body 12for controlling flow between the inlet 10 a and the outlet 10 b. Theassembly 10 defines an unactuated state in which the inlet is sealedfrom the outlet and an actuated state in which the inlet is in fluidcommunication with the inlet. One preferred embodiment of the valve body12 includes an internal seat 14 a, a seat-engagement member 14 b for apreferred fluid-tight scaled engagement with the seat 14 a in theunactuated state of the assembly 10. A preferred controlled engagementand disengagement between the member 14 b and the seat 14 a controls theflow between the inlet 10 a and the outlet 10 b in the actuated state ofthe assembly. The preferred valve body 12 defines chambers and ports incommunication with one another through which fluid flows to move theinternal components of the valve body 12. Accordingly, the valve body 12further preferably defines an internal fluid chamber 16 to control theengagement between the member 14 b and the seat 14 a.

The preferred assembly 10 includes one and more preferably includes morethan one electrically controlled or operated control points E in fluidcommunication with the chambers or ports of the valve body 12. Thecontrol points E open or close to control the flow of one or morefluids, including a firefighting fluid, through the valve body 12 tocontrol operation of the assembly 10 and the flow of the firefightingfluid from the inlet 10 a to the outlet 10 b. The electricallycontrolled points E are preferably embodied as electrically operatedvalves which are opened, closed or throttled open or closed by anappropriately configured control signal. More preferably, theelectrically controlled points E are embodied as electrically operatedsolenoid valves which are opened or controlled by an appropriatelyconfigured energizing or de-energizing signal. The controlled points Ecan be alternatively embodied in an arrangement of electro-mechanicalcomponents provided the arrangement can be opened and closed to controlthe flow therethrough in response to an appropriate control signal.

The preferred control assembly 10 includes a first electricallycontrolled point E1 and a second electrically controlled point E2 tocontrol the flow of fluid in and out of the fluid chamber 16. Inoperation, the first control point E1 is preferably normally configuredto be energized opened for filling and pressurizing the fluid chamber 16with fluid such that the member 14 b engages the seat 14 a. Inoperation, the second control point E2 is preferably normally configuredclosed and de-energized to prevent the flow of fluid out of the fluidchamber 16 such that the member 14 b is maintained in a sealedengagement. A change in the normal state of each of the first and secondcontrol points E1, E2, provides for a net flow through the fluid chamber16 that reduces the fluid pressure in the chamber 16 so that the member14 b disengages the seat 14 a thereby permitting flow from the inlet 10a to the outlet 10 b. In preferred embodiments described in greaterdetailed herein, the first and second control points can also providefor an electric latch to maintain the valve open in the event of a lossof power.

The control points E can be electrically controlled or operated inresponse to an appropriate signal delivered automatically or manuallyfrom a control signaling device such as for example, a controller,microprocessor, relay, detector or sensor. The opening and closing ofthe control points E are preferably controlled at least in part by oneor more, environmental sensors or detectors, fluid sensors or detectorsT, positional sensors P or remote controllers disposed about or coupledto the valve assembly 10 which are coupled directly or indirectly to thevalve body 12 or the control points E. The fluid sensors or detectors Tcan detect the presence or change of fluid by any one of measuringpressure, fluid flow, a combination thereof and/or the time-rate ofchange thereof at any fluid port, inlet or outlet of the valve body 12or along any piping coupled to the valve body 12. Accordingly, thesensors or detectors can include transducers, switches or other types ofdevices provided they can measure a fluid parameter and generate anappropriate signal for operation of the preferred assemblies and systemsdescribed herein. The positional sensors P can measure the position of acontrol point between its open and closed position. Based upon themonitored parameters, the control points E can be manually orautomatically electrically operated to control the flow of fluid fromthe inlet 10 a to the outlet 10 b of the valve assembly 10. Accordingly,the preferred assembly 10 communicates with a controller to electricallycouple the control points E and the detectors or sensors T, P. Thecontrol points B and the detectors or sensors T, P can be wired ormechanically coupled to the controller. Alternatively, the controlpoints, detectors and sensor can be wirelessly coupled to the controllerfor the controlled communication described herein.

Moreover, the periodic monitoring of detected parameters including flow,pressure, position and/or temperature of the valve assembly 10, the fireprotection and occupancy in which the assembly 10 is installed can beused to maintain the assembly 10 including periodically performingdiagnostic performance testing, automatically notifying maintenancepersonnel or operators, periodically documenting current and past statesof the assembly 10 for troubleshooting, automatically taking correctiveaction, periodically validating proper operation of the assembly 10and/or performing test inspections at desired frequencies. The preferredautomatic operation and maintenance of the assembly 10 can includeremote programming of the controller, remote notifications, remotetesting and remote setting of the valve assembly 10. Accordingly, thepreferred automatic operation and maintenance of the assembly 10 can beconducted over two-way wired or wireless communication networks,including over telephone lines, the Internet, local networks, or othertelecommunication means using telephones, mobile device, laptops,computer or other computing devices.

The valve body can be preferably embodied as a diaphragm valve 12 havingan internal valve seat 14 a, an internal diaphragm member 14 b toprovide the engagement member 14 a and define the internal fluid chamberor diaphragm chamber 16. An exemplary diaphragm valve is shown in TYCOFIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS Technical Data Sheet, “TFP1305: Model DV-5Deluge Valve, Diaphragm Style, 1½ thru 8 Inch (DN40 thru DN200), 250,psi (17.2 bar) Vertical or Horizontal Installation (March 2006).Alternatively, other types of valves can be used provided they include afluid control chamber for use in the assemblies described herein. Morespecifically, the preferred diaphragm valve 12 is fluid controlled oroperated in which fluid pressure in the diaphragm chamber 16 controls orbiases the valve toward a sealed engagement between the diaphragm member14 b and the valve seat 14 a. The assembly 10 preferably includes afluid control line 12 a for controlling the fluid pressure in thediaphragm chamber 16. The control line 12 a preferably includes one endin fluid communication with the inlet 10 a and an opposite end in fluidcommunication with diaphragm chamber 16. The preferred first and secondelectrically operated solenoid valves E1, E2 are preferably in fluidcommunication with the control line 12 a and coupled to the diaphragmvalve 12 at a diaphragm chamber port 18 so as to control the flow offluid in and out of the diaphragm chamber 16.

The diaphragm valve 12 preferably includes an inlet port 20 proximate toand in fluid communication with the inlet 10 a. In a preferredarrangement, the first electrically controlled solenoid valve E1controls the fluid communication between the inlet port 20 to thediaphragm chamber 16. More specifically, the first solenoid valve E1operates to control fluid delivered to the inlet 10 a and redirected tothe diaphragm chamber via the inlet port 20. Moreover, the firstsolenoid valve E1 operates to control the flow rate of fluid into thediaphragm chamber 16 to a desired rate. Alternatively or in addition to,the flow rate and direction of flow can be maintained in one directionfrom the solenoid valve E1 to the diaphragm chamber 16 and at thedesired rate by a check valve 15 or other flow restriction disposedbetween the solenoid valve E1 and the diaphragm chamber 16. Thus, fluidbackflow is prevented back through the first solenoid valve E1. Thesecond electrically operated solenoid valve E2 operates to control andmaintain or relieve fluid pressure in the diaphragm chamber 16. Thestates of the controlled points E1, E2 can be electrically controlled inresponse to an appropriate control signal. For example, in a fireprotection system such as for example, the deluge-type system shown inFIG. 3, the control points E1, E2 can be operated in response to a firedetection signal or other signal. The control points further preferablyprovide an electric latch that keeps the assembly open even in the eventof power failure or loss to the system. Accordingly, the preferredelectric latch provides, in the event of a primary and secondary powerloss, that the diaphragm chamber 16 does not re-pressurize and close thediaphragm valve 12 during a fire event. In the event of a power loss,the electric latch maintains the fluid control assembly 10 in the openposition preferably until such time as the assembly is manually reset.

Further preferably coupled to the inlet port 20 are one or moreelectrically controlled points E3, E4 to drain or convey fluid from theinlet port 20. Each of the controlled points E3, E4 can be embodied asan electrically operated solenoid valve that is preferably normallyclosed and de-energized. Upon receipt of an appropriate control signal,the solenoid valves E3, E4 can be energized open to release fluid fromthe inlet port 20. For example, solenoid valve E3 can be opened torelease fluid to an external drain or atmosphere and E4 can be opened toflow fluid to a water flow alarm. The valve body 12 also preferablyincludes an outlet port 22 proximate to and in fluid communication withthe outlet 10 b and to which another control point E5 can be coupled.The fifth control point E5 can be embodied as an electronically operatedsolenoid valve that is normally closed and de-energized. Upon receipt ofan appropriate control signal, the solenoid valve E5 can be energizedopen to release fluid from the outlet port 22. For example solenoidvalve E5 can be signaled opened to release fluid to an external drain oratmosphere. Accordingly, depending upon the system installation of thefluid control assembly 10, the outlet port solenoid valve E5 can providean electric automatic drain valve.

Each of the control points E can be operated, locally or remotely,automatically or manually from a preferably centralized appropriatelyconfigured controller. Alternatively or additionally, the states of thecontrolled points E are preferably altered or operated based uponmonitored parameters of one or more fluid detectors T disposed about theassembly 10. Accordingly, each of the sensors or detectors T, P can beconfigured with the controller for automatic, periodic or continuousmonitoring or for discrete on-demand sampling. For example, preferablycoupled to the diaphragm chamber port 18 is a fluid detector T1 forpreferably continuously or periodically monitoring fluid conditions inthe diaphragm chamber 16. Fluid detectors T2, T3 can be respectivelycoupled to each of the inlet and outlet ports 20, 22 to preferablycontinuously or periodically monitor fluid conditions at thecorresponding inlet 10 a and/or outlet 10 b for set-up, maintenance ortesting of the assembly 10. For example, one solenoid valve E4 can becoupled between the inlet port 20 and the fluid detector T3 at theoutlet port 22. If the solenoid valve E4 is controlled or operated openso that fluid flows from the inlet port 20 toward the solenoid valve E5,the fluid flow or pressure can be detected by the fluid detector T3 forsignaling the controller of fluid flow. To prevent the flow of fluidinto the outlet 10 b, the assembly preferably include a check-valve 17installed between the fluid detector T3 and the outlet port 22.

The diaphragm valve 12 can include a single seat 14 a against which thediaphragm member 14 b engages to form a fluid tight seal. Alternatively,the diaphragm valve 12 can define multiple valve seats 14 a 1, 14 a 2for engagement with the diaphragm member 14 b to define one or morechambers therebetween. For example, the valve body can define a firstinlet valve seat 14 a 1 for engagement with a corresponding inletportion of the diaphragm member 14 b. A second valve seat 14 a 2, spacedfrom the first seat 14 a 1, can be provided for engagement with acorresponding outlet portion of the diaphragm member. An exemplarydiaphragm valve is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,616,234. Shownin phantom is an optional intermediate chamber formed between the inletand outlet seats 14 a 1, 14 a 2. A detector T and control point E can becan be coupled to an intermediate port 24 in fluid communication withthe intermediate chamber to monitor the intermediate chamber and providefor controlled drainage of the intermediate chamber between the inletand outlet seats 14 a 1, 14 a 2.

An alternate embodiment of the automatic fluid control assembly 100 isshown in FIG. 2. The valve body 112 preferably includes an inlet seat114 a proximate the inlet 110 a and an inlet member 114 b for preferablycontrolled engagement with the inlet seat 114 a. The valve body 112further includes an outlet seat 116 a proximate the outlet 110 b and anoutlet member 116 b for engagement with the outlet seat 116 a. The valvebody 112 preferably defines an intermediate chamber 118 between theinlet and outlet seats 114 a, 116 a upon the inlet member 114 b engagingthe inlet seat 114 a and the outlet member 116 b engaging the outletseat 116 a. The preferred valve body 112 defines an inlet port 122proximate the inlet 110 a and more preferably located between the inlet110 a and the inlet seat 114 a. The preferred valve body 112 alsodefines an outlet port 124 proximate the outlet 110 b and morepreferably located between the outlet 110 b and the outlet seat 116 a.The valve body 112 further preferably includes an intermediate port 126in communication with the preferred intermediate chamber 118. Apreferred embodiment of the valve body 112 includes a fluid chamber 128with a fluid chamber port 130 proximate to the inlet 110 a to controlthe engagement between the inlet member 114 b and the inlet seat 114 b.

Fluid flow through the valve body 112 and assembly 100 is preferablycontrolled by operation of the electrically control points E which arecoupled to the chambers and ports of the valve body 112. Like thepreviously described embodiments of the assembly, the control points Eare preferably operated by a controller in communication with theassembly 100 and/or are operated or controlled based upon monitoredparameters from detectors or sensors T of the assembly 100 and/ordetectors or sensors of the fire protection system. One electricallycontrolled point E11 is coupled to the fluid chamber port 130 andmaintained normally open for communication with the fluid chamber 128.Another electrically controlled point E12 is maintained normally closedand coupled to the fluid chamber port 130 for controlling and/ormaintaining fluid pressure in the fluid chamber 130. Like the previouslydescribed embodiments, a fluid control line 113 preferably places thefluid chamber 128 in fluid communication with the inlet 110 a. Fluidpressure within the chamber 128 can be controlled by the movement offluid in and out of the fluid chamber 128 through the alteration of thenormally open and closed states of the first and second electricallycontrolled points E11, E12. In the normal state of the controlled pointsE11, E12 fluid pressure in the fluid chamber 128 acts on the inletmember 114 b so that it is preferably biased and engaged with the inletseat 114 a to inhibit the flow of fluid from the inlet 110 a to theoutlet 110 b.

More particularly, the control line 113 preferably includes one end influid communication with the inlet 110 a and an opposite end in fluidcommunication with fluid chamber 128. The preferred first and secondelectrically operated solenoid valves E12, E12 are preferably in fluidcommunication with the control line 113 and coupled to the valve body112 at a fluid chamber port 130 so as to control the flow of fluid inand out of the fluid chamber 128. The valve body 112 preferably includesan inlet port 122 proximate to and in fluid communication with the inlet110 a. In a preferred arrangement, the first electrically controlledsolenoid valve E11 controls the fluid communication between the inletport 122 to the fluid chamber 128. More specifically, the first solenoidvalve E11 operates to control fluid delivered to the inlet 110 a andredirected to the diaphragm chamber via the inlet port 122. Moreover,the first solenoid valve E11 operates to control the flow rate of fluidinto the fluid chamber 128 to a desired rate. Alternatively or inaddition to, the flow rate and direction of flow can be maintained inone direction from the solenoid valve E11 to the fluid chamber 128 andat the desired rate by a check valve 115 or other flow restrictiondisposed between the solenoid valve E1 and the fluid chamber 128. Thesecond electrically operated solenoid valve E12 operates to control andmaintain or relieve fluid pressure in the fluid chamber 128. The statesof the controlled points E11, E12 can be electrically controlled inresponse to an appropriate control signal. The control points furtherpreferably provide an electric latch that keeps the assembly open evenin the event of power loss to the system. Accordingly, the preferredelectric latch provides, in the event of a primary and secondary powerloss, that the fluid chamber 128 does not re-pressurize and close thevalve body 12 during a fire event. In the event of a power loss, theelectric latch maintains the fluid control assembly 110 in the openposition preferably until such time as the assembly is manually reset.

Although the valve body 112 can include a housing of a unitaryconstruction, the valve body 112 can include a subassembly of multiplecomponents to provide the preferred inlet, outlet, ports and chambersdescribed herein. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the valvebody 112 includes a diaphragm valve 112 a and a check valve 112 bcoupled to the diaphragm valve 112 a. The preferred diaphragm valve 112a includes an inlet opening, and internal diaphragm member and diaphragmseat to respectively provide the inlet 110 a, inlet member 114 b andinlet seat 114 a. The body of the diaphragm valve 112 and diaphragmmember 114 b further preferably define the fluid controlled diaphragmchamber 128. The preferred check valve 112 b preferably includes theoutlet opening, an internal clapper and internal clapper seat torespectively provide the outlet 110 b, outlet member 116 b and theoutlet seat 116 a. An exemplary check valve is shown and described inTYCO FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS Technical Data Sheet, “TFP950: ModelCV-1FR Riser Check Valves 2 to 12 Inch (DN50 to DN300” (October 2010).The check valve 112 b is preferably coupled to the diaphragm valve 112 asuch that upon the clapper 116 b engaging the clapper seat 116 a and theinternal diaphragm member 114 b engaging the diaphragm seat 114 a, thepreferred intermediate chamber 118 is defined between the diaphragm andcheck valves seats 114 a, 116 a.

The preferred diaphragm valve and check valve 112 a, 112 b assemblydefine the preferred ports and chambers of the assembly 100 for periodicmonitoring and fluid control. In the preferred arrangement, twoelectrically controlled solenoid valves E11, E12 are coupled to thediaphragm chamber 128 at the chamber port 130 to control the engagementof the diaphragm member 114 b with the diaphragm seat 114 a and providethe preferred electric latch previously described. The preferred checkvalve 112 b defines an outlet port 124 proximate the outlet 110 b andmore preferably located between the outlet 110 b and the clapper seat116 a. A first fluid detector T11 is preferably coupled to the outletport 124 to detect any one of fluid pressure or flow at the outlet 110b. The fluid detector T11 can be electrically coupled to the firstand/or the second solenoid valves E11, E12. In the preferred electriclatch, the fluid detector T11 can be coupled to the outlet port 124 ofthe valve body 112 to detect the loss of pressure at the outlet 110 b ofthe assembly 100. Upon detecting the loss in pressure, the first controlpoint E11 is preferably closed to cease delivery of fluid to thediaphragm chamber 128. The second control point E12 can be controlled,independently or as a function of either detector T11 or the firstcontrol point E11, so as to open and relieve the fluid pressure from thefluid chamber 128. The reduction of the fluid pressure permits the inletmember 114 b to disengage the seat 114 a and permit the flow of fluidfrom the inlet to the outlet 110 a, 110 b of the assembly 100.

In one preferred embodiment, further preferably coupled to the outletport 124 are one or more electrically controlled points E13, E14 tocontrol the flow of a fluid through the outlet port 124 and outlet 110b. The third and fourth controlled points E13, E14 can be embodied aselectrically operated solenoid valves. The third solenoid valve E13 ispreferably normally closed and de-energized. Upon receipt of anappropriate control signal, the third solenoid valve E13 can beenergized open to release fluid from the outlet 110 b and outlet port124 for flow to, for example, an external drain or atmosphere. Thefourth solenoid valve E14 is preferably normally closed andde-energized. The fourth solenoid valve E14 preferably defines a knownor desired orifice opening to permit the escape of fluid at a knownrate. Upon receipt of an appropriate control signal, the fourth solenoidvalve E14 can be energized open to release fluid from the outlet 110 band outlet port 124 for flow to, for example, to an external drain oratmosphere. Operation of the fourth solenoid valve E14 can be used to aperform a remote or periodic leakage test of the valve assembly 100 orto perform a remote or periodic trip test in a manner described herein.

The preferred diaphragm valve 112 a further preferably defines anintermediate port 126 of the assembly 100 in communication with thepreferred intermediate chamber 118. A second fluid detector T12 ispreferably coupled to the intermediate port 126 to detect any one offluid pressure or flow to preferably continuously or periodicallymonitor the intermediate chamber 118 for changes in atmosphericconditions. With the preferred assembly installed, increased fluidpressure at the detector T12 can indicate system operation or leakage ateither or both of the inlet and outlet seats 114 a, 116 a. Furtherpreferably coupled to the intermediate port 126 are one or moreelectrically controlled points E15, E16. The fifth and sixth controlledpoints E15, E16 can be embodied as electrically operated solenoidvalves. The fifth solenoid valve E15 is preferably normally closed andde-energized. Upon receipt of an appropriate control signal, the fifthsolenoid valve E15 can be energized open to release fluid from theintermediate chamber 118 for flow to, for example, an external drain oratmosphere. The sixth solenoid valve E16 is preferably in fluidcommunication with an inlet port 122 of the valve body 112, normallyclosed and de-energized. The sixth solenoid valve E16 can be used in afluid flow alarm test. For example, upon receipt of an appropriatecontrol signal, the sixth solenoid valve E16 can be energized open toprovide for the flow of fluid from the inlet port 122 to the fluiddetector T12. Fluid pressure or flow is detected by the fluid detectorT12 at the intermediate port to signal, for example, an alarm toindicate fluid flow. To prevent the flow from the solenoid valve E16 tothe intermediate chamber 118, the assembly 100 can include a check valve117 between the fluid detector T12 and the intermediate port 117. At theconclusion of the fluid flow test, the solenoid valve E16 issubsequently signaled closed to stop the flow from the inlet port 122.The solenoid valve E15 is temporarily opened to relieve the fluidpressure in the line that is acting on the fluid detector T12.

The preferred diaphragm valve 112 a also preferably defines the inletport 122 proximate the inlet 110 a and more preferably between the inlet110 a and the diaphragm seat 114 a. A third fluid detector T13 ispreferably coupled to the inlet port 122 to detect any one of fluidpressure or flow and for preferably continuously or periodicallymonitoring fluid conditions delivered at the inlet 110 a of the assemblypressure for a given point of time. Further preferably coupled to theinlet port 122 are one or more electrically controlled points E17 todrain fluid from the inlet port 122. The seventh controlled point E17can be embodied as an electrically operated solenoid valve. The seventhsolenoid valve E17 is preferably normally closed and de-energized. Uponreceipt of an appropriate control signal, the seventh solenoid valve E17can be energized open to release fluid from the inlet port 122 for flowto, for example, an external drain or atmosphere. Further preferablycoupled to the diaphragm chamber port 130 is a fourth fluid detector T14for preferably continuously or periodically monitoring fluid conditionsin the diaphragm chamber 128.

The preferred valve body and the control points E, sensors and/ordetectors P. T are preferably coupled and arranged to provide for acompact assembly. Accordingly, in preferred embodiments of theassemblies of FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid control assemblies can be encasedwithin one or more housings or enclosures. Alternatively, the assembliesare not encased in an enclosure as shown. As schematically shown, thecontrol points E, sensors and/or detectors P, T can be coupled directlyto the valve body of the assembly or alternatively can be remotelycoupled to the valve body by appropriate tubing or piping.

Shown in FIG. 3 is the preferred automatic fluid control assembly 10 ofFIG. 1 installed in a deluge system 200. The preferred system 200includes a plurality of open or unsealed fire protection sprinklers 202to protect an occupancy OCC. The sprinklers 202 are interconnected by anetwork of pipes BP and open to atmospheric pressure in an unactuatedstate of the system 200. The piping described herein can include riserpiping, main piping, cross-mains, branch piping, drops and sprigs. Thesystem 200 includes a plurality of preferably electric fire detectors204 including any one of but not limited to heat detectors, smokedetectors, or manual pull stations. The fire detectors 204 arepreferably electrically coupled or connected to a preferably centralizedcontroller 220 for receipt of detection data or signals from thedetectors 204. The centralized controller 220 can be networked forremote access by and communication with operating or maintenancepersonnel or external agencies.

The system 200 includes a primary fluid source of firefighting fluid Wsuch as, for example, a water supply main. The system 200 includes apreferred embodiment of the automatic fluid control assembly 10 of FIG.1 to provide a riser which interconnects and controls the flow of fluidfrom primary fluid source W to the network of pipes BP and the fireprotection sprinklers 202. The system 200 can be alternativelyconfigured with the assembly 100 of FIG. 2 provided the assembly iscontrolled and operated in a manner as described herein. The automaticfluid control assembly 10 is preferably coupled to the water by theservice control valve E6 at the inlet 10 a of the assembly 10. Theoutlet 10 b is preferably piped or connected to the network of pipes BP.Water is delivered to the inlet 10 a and the preferred fluid chamber ormore preferably diaphragm chamber 16 so that the diaphragm member 14 bengages the valve seat 14 a to form a fluid tight water seat in anunactuated state of the system 200. In the preferred arrangement waterdelivered to the inlet 10 a flows through the inlet port 20 and throughthe normally open first electrically controlled point E1 via the controlline 12 a to fill and pressurize the fluid or diaphragm chamber 16.

The detectors and sensor T, P and preferred electrically controlledpoints E of the preferred fluid control assembly 10 are coupled to thecontroller 220 to provide for the desired monitoring, operation,control, set-up and reset of the automatic fluid control assembly 10 ineach of the unactuated, actuated and post-actuation states of the system200. The preferred detectors and sensors T, P and the electricallycontrolled points E of the preferred systems can provide for remoteautomatic monitoring, control, operation, testing, set-up, ormaintenance; and additionally or alternatively, the preferred systemscan provide for periodic automatic monitoring, control, operation,testing, set-up or maintenance. Moreover, to facilitate the installationof the assemblies described herein, the assemblies can include oneelectrically controlled point E6 upstream of the inlet 10 a of theassembly 10 as seen in FIG. 3 and where applicable include a secondelectrically controlled point E9 downstream of the outlet 10 b of thefluid control assembly 100 as seen, for example, in FIG. 5. The upstreamelectrically controlled point E6 can be embodied as a service controlvalve (SCV) or a post indicator valve (PIV) coupled to a first positionsensor P1 to preferably evaluate the valve position over time,periodically or continuously, preferably in connection with thecontroller 220 in order to track abnormal closing or partial closingthat could affect performance of the SCV valve E6. The downstreamelectrically controlled point E9 of FIG. 5 can be embodied as a shut-offvalve SOV coupled to a second position sensor P2 to preferably evaluatethe valve position over time, periodically or continuously, preferablyin connection with the controller 420 in order to track abnormal closingor partial closing that could affect performance of the shut-off valveE9. The upstream and downstream valves can facilitate the installationof the preferred assemblies in either a new installation or an existinginstallation to provide the preferred fluid control and operationmethodologies described herein. Moreover, the preferred upstream anddownstream valves can provide for a temporary installation in order to,for example, troubleshoot an existing fire protection system.

Referring again to system 200 of FIG. 3, the valve body 12 actuates ortrips to open and deliver water to one or more sprinklers 202 in theevent of a fire. For the preferred deluge system, at least onefire-indicating condition actuates the automatic fluid control assembly10. Accordingly, the controller 220 defines at least one zone of thecontroller 220 and can preferably define more than one zone which is tobe triggered to actuate the assembly 10. In a preferred operation, thefire detectors 204 notifies the first zone Zone 1 at the controller 220which signals or de-energizes the first solenoid valve E1 so that thatthe valve closes and fluid ceases to flow into and pressurize thediaphragm chamber 16. Preferably substantially simultaneously, the firstzone Zone 1 at the controller 220 signals operation of the preferablynormally closed second electrically controlled point or solenoid valveE2. The valve E2 is opened to relieve fluid pressure from the preferredfluid or diaphragm chamber 16 to disengage the diaphragm member 14 bfrom the seat 14 a. Fluid fed to the inlet 10 a is permitted to flow tothe outlet 10 b. The second solenoid valve E2 can be alternativelycoupled to the first solenoid E1 valve such that upon the first solenoidvalve E1 being de-energized in response to a fire detection condition,the second solenoid valve E2 is energized open. Alternatively, the twosolenoid valves E1, E2 can be coupled to one another such upon thesecond solenoid valve E2 being energized open in response to a firecondition, the first solenoid valve E1 is de-energized closed.

Further in the alternative, the automatic control assembly 10 providesthat the first solenoid valve E1 controls or regulates the fluid flowinto the diaphragm chamber 16 to fluid flow that is less than the fluidflow out of the diaphragm chamber upon the second solenoid valve E2being energized open. As previously described, the control line 12 a caninclude a check-valve or restriction 15 to control the feed rate intothe diaphragm chamber. In one preferred embodiment of the assemblyoperation following fire detection, the first zone Zone 1 at thecontroller 220 signals operation of the preferably normally closedsecond electrically controlled point or solenoid valve E2. The valve E2is opened to relieve fluid pressure from the preferred fluid ordiaphragm chamber 16 to disengage the diaphragm member 14 b from theseat 14 a. With the first solenoid E1 still energized, the feed rate isless than the discharge rate from the diaphragm chamber 16, and thediaphragm member 14 b disengages the seat 14 a under the reduced fluidpressure. Operation of the fluid control assembly 10 allows for thedelivery of water from the inlet 10 a to the outlet 10 b and the opensprinkler(s) 202. The water flow is preferably detected by the outletport fluid detector T3 to validate that the system 200 is flowing water.Fluid pressure detected at the outlet port detector T3 de-energizes andcloses the solenoid valve E1 which stops the feed of water into thediaphragm chamber 16. With the diaphragm chamber 16 effectivelydepressurized, the fluid control assembly 10 is wide open for full flowfrom inlet 10 a to outlet 10 b.

Regardless of the manner in which the first and second solenoid valvesE1, E2 operate, the solenoid valves U 1, E2 preferably provide for anelectric latch that prevents water from re-pressurizing the fluidchamber 16 and the reengagement of the inlet member 14 b and inlet seat14 a following system actuation even in the event of a loss of power. Asshown in FIG. 3, the preferred system 200 includes primary power sourceV1, such as for example an AC voltage source, and a secondary back-uppower source V2, such as for example a battery back-up. The preferredelectric latch provides that, in the event of a primary and secondarypower loss, the preferred diaphragm chamber 16 does not re-pressurizeand close the diaphragm valve 12 during a fire event. The actuatedassembly 10 preferably remains in the open condition until such time thesystem is manually reset.

The assembly 10 further preferably provides for remote and/or automaticresetting of the system 200 following system actuation by appropriatecontrolled operation of the first and second controlled points E1, E2.The system 200 and assembly 10 preferably includes one or more resettingdetectors. For example, the system detectors 204 can include resettingheat detectors 204 a that signal when the heat release is sufficientlylow in the occupancy OCC to signal that the fire is sufficientlyaddressed, controlled or extinguished to initiate reset of the controlassembly 10. Following a preferably prescribed time after systemactuation such that the heat from the fire has sufficiently diminished,the resetting detectors 204 a preferably signal to the controller for areset. The resetting procedure described herein can be performedautomatically or alternatively can be initiated by an appropriate switchor push-button signal from a local or remote operator. The resettingdetectors 204 a preferably signal the controller 220 to initiate asystem reset and the controller signals for the second electricallycontrolled solenoid valve E2 to de-energize closed. The controller 220then signals for the first electrically controlled solenoid valve E1 toopen so that fluid is delivered to pressurize the diaphragm chamber 16to bias the diaphragm member 14 b into sealed engagement with the seat14 a to stop the flow of water into the system piping. As previouslydescribed, the solenoid valve E1 and/or the control line 12 a isconfigured to define a desired flow rate for the fluid fed into thediaphragm chamber 16, which can define the rate at which the diaphragmis fully pressurized to form the sealed engagement between the seat 14 aand the diaphragm member 14 b. Accordingly, the control line 12 a andthe associated solenoid valve E1 can define the time for closing orre-setting of the fluid control assembly 10 from its fully openposition. The outlet port electrically controlled valve E5 is preferablysignaled or operated open by the controller 220 to drain the systempiping of water. When the outlet fluid port detector T3 indicates 0psig, the outlet port electrically controlled valve E5 is closed. Allcontrol points E and detectors T are evaluated for leakage includingseat leakage, and notification of a satisfactory reset is preferablyprovided for communication to a system operator locally or remotely.Should the fire reignite, the entire actuation and reset process repeatsas necessary.

The preferred automatic fluid control assemblies described herein can beinstalled in different type of fire protection systems such as forexample: dry systems or wet systems, including the deluge system aspreviously described, dry pipe systems, or preaction systems includingnon-interlock, single-interlock, or double-interlock preaction systems(with or without quick opening devices). Alternate embodiments of thefluid control assembly can also employ the preferred fluid chamber andelectrically operated control points E1, E2 to control fluid flow in andout of the chamber 16 through the assembly inlet and outlet. However,the alternate embodiments can also use alternate valve configurationsand alternate detection and signaling schemes to provide for a preferredvalve assembly and operation that can be used in other types of fireprotection systems, such as for example, preaction or dry pipe fireprotection systems.

Shown in FIG. 4 is a preferred dry pipe fire protection system 300 thatincorporates the alternate fluid control assembly 10′ with the valvebody 12 alternatively defining the intermediate port 24 and theintermediate chamber formed between the inlet and outlet seats 14 a 1,14 a 2. The preferred dry pipe system 300 includes automatic sprinklers302 that are normally closed in an unactuated state. The system 300includes a primary fluid source and a secondary fluid source coupled tothe interconnected network of fire protection sprinklers 302. Theprimary fluid source is the source of firefighting fluid W such as, forexample, a water supply main. The secondary fluid is preferably a sourceof compressed gas G such as, for example, a compressed air supply ornitrogen to fill the network of pipes BP in an unactuated state of thesystem 300. The gas is preferably fed into the network of pipes throughthe outlet port 22 of the valve body 12 and the outlet 10 b. Thediaphragm member 14 b and outlet seat 14 a 2 form a fluid tight air seatin the unactuated state of the assembly 10's to seal in the compressedgas at the outlet 10 b. Preferably disposed along the gas feed line andcoupled to the outlet port 22 are two electrically operated solenoidvalves E20, E21 and the fluid detector T21 to monitor the fluidconditions at the outlet 10 b including any changes in gas pressureand/or flow. A fluid detector T3 is preferably coupled to theintermediate port 24 to monitor fluid conditions in the intermediatechamber between the inlet and outlet seats 14 a 1, 14 a 2.

In the event of a fire, one or more of the sprinklers 302 will operateand release the gas within the pipes BP. The piping fluid detector T21detects the change in pressure or flow within the interconnecting pipesBP and signals the second solenoid valve E2 to open through the controlunit 320. In the embodiment shown, the control line 12 a includes theunidirectional check-valve or restriction 15; and thus, water from thesecond solenoid valve E2 is discharged at a rate greater than isprovided from energized first solenoid valve E1 to pressurize thediaphragm chamber 16. Accordingly water flows from the inlet 10 a to theoutlet 10 b. Alternatively, the assembly 10′ can be tripped by thechange in states of the first and second solenoid valves E1, E2 in anymanner previously described. Water detected at the intermediate chamberby the outlet detector T3 signals closure of or de-energizes the firstsolenoid valve E1 to permit the valve body 12 to fully open. In additionto initiating trip of the fluid control assembly, the outlet port fluiddetector T21 can provide an accelerator or quick opening in the systemby actuating the system based upon the predetermined or set thresholdrate of decay in gas pressure which defines an open sprinkler condition.For example, the detector 121 in combination with the controller 320 candefine a threshold rate of decay in gas pressure in the piping BP, suchas for example −0.1 psi/sec. drop, which defines an actuated sprinklercondition. Upon detecting the threshold rate, the controller 320 cansignal operation of the second solenoid valve E2 to relieve fluidpressure in the diaphragm chamber 16 and initiate actuation of theautomatic valve assembly 10′. Moreover, the assembly 10′ and controller320 can incorporate algorithms for detection of an open sprinklercondition as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,080, to providefor a desired system response time such as for example an acceleratedresponse time.

Preferably disposed along the pipes BP is a fluid detector T4 forpreferably continuously or periodically monitoring the secondary fluidfor changes in pressure and/or flow. The fluid detector T4 is preferablylocated at an end-line of the piping or hydraulically remote portion ofthe network of pipes to detect the fluid end-head pressure in thehydraulically remote location. The fluid detector T4 can convey thecollected data to the controller 320 and to remote personnel for use,for example, to detect the end-head pressure of water delivered to theremote portion of the sprinkler pipes BP and for determining the fluiddelivery time of water. The fluid detector T4 can be used in conjunctionwith the inlet port fluid detector T2 and the controller 320 todetermine pressure versus time relationship for the system 300 to fillwith water and time to stabilization for the number of open sprinklers(i.e., when end head pressure is stabilized). Also, preferably disposedalong a most hydraulically remote portion of the system 300 can be oneor more electrically operated solenoid valves E22 that can be controlledor signaled to operate simultaneously or sequentially to release gasfrom the network of pipes in order to perform, for example, a remotetrip test or for remotely verifying water delivery time.

Shown in FIG. 5 is a preferred double-interlock preaction system 400.The preferred system 400 includes a plurality of automatic fireprotection sprinklers 402 to protect an occupancy OCC interconnected bya network of pipes BP. The system 400 includes a plurality of preferablyelectric fire detectors 404 including any one of but not limited to heatdetectors, smoke detectors, or manual pull station. The fire detectors404 are preferably electrically coupled or connected to the preferablycentralized controller 420 for receipt of detection data or signals fromthe detectors 404. The system 400 can also preferably include one ormore ambient temperature detectors A1 for use in water delivery timedeterminations, system troubleshooting or performance validations asdescribed herein.

The system 400 includes a primary fluid source and a secondary fluidsource coupled to the interconnected network of fire protectionsprinklers 402. The primary fluid source is a source of firefightingfluid W such as, for example, a water supply main. The secondary fluidis preferably a source of compressed gas G such as, for example, acompressed air supply or nitrogen, to fill the network of pipes BP in anunactuated state of the system 400. The system 400 includes a preferredembodiment of the automatic fluid control assembly 100 of FIG. 2 toprovide an automatic fluid control assembly which interconnects andcontrols the flow of fluid from primary and secondary fluid sources W, Gto the network of pipes BP and the fire protection sprinklers 402. Thefluid control assembly 100 is preferably coupled to the water by theservice control valve E8 and coupled to the network of pipes BP by theshut-off valve E9. The secondary gas supply G is preferably coupled tothe outlet port 124 of the valve body 112. The compressed gas G fillsthe piping network BP and acts on the outlet member 116 b so that themember engages the seat 116 a to form a fluid tight air seat of thevalve control assembly 100 in an unactuated state of the system 400.Water is delivered to the inlet 110 a and the preferred fluid chamber128 or more preferably diaphragm chamber 128 so that the inlet/diaphragmmember 114 b engages the inlet seat 114 a to form a fluid tight waterseat in an unactuated state of the system 400. In a preferredarrangement, water delivered to the inlet 110 a flows through the inletport 122 and through the normally open first electrically controlledpoint E11 to fill and pressurize the fluid or diaphragm chamber 128.With the air and water seats formed, the intermediate chamber 118 ispreferably maintained under atmospheric pressure.

The detectors and sensors T, P and preferred electrically controlledpoints E of the flow control assembly 100 are coupled to the controller420 to provide for the desired monitoring, operation and control of thefluid control assembly 100 in each of the unactuated, actuated andpost-actuated states of the system 400. In the event of fire, the valvebody 112 actuates or trips to open each of the air and water seats todeliver water to one or more actuated sprinklers 402 to address thefire. For a double-interlock preaction system 400, two fire-indicatingconditions are required to actuate the valve assembly 100. Accordingly,the controller 420 defines two zones which are to be triggered toactuate the valve assembly 100. In a preferred operation due to a firecondition, the fire detectors 404 notifies the first zone Zone 1 at thecontroller 420. The subsequent thermal actuation of a fire protectionsprinkler 402 relieves air pressure from the network of pipes BP andrelieves the air pressure acting on the outlet member 116 b of theassembly 100. The outlet port fluid detector T11 or other fluid/pressuredetector along the network of pipes BP detects the loss of pressure andsignals the second zone Zone 2 of the controller 420. With the two zonesZone 1 and 2 of the controller activated, the controller 420 signalsoperation of the preferably normally closed second electricallycontrolled point or solenoid valve E12 to open to relieve pressure fromthe preferred fluid or diaphragm chamber 128 to disengage the inlet ordiaphragm member 114 b from the inlet seat 114 a. In the embodimentshown, the control line 113 includes the check-valve or otherunidirectional restriction 115; and thus, water from the second solenoidvalve E12 is discharged at a rate greater than is provided fromenergized first solenoid valve E11 to pressurize the diaphragm chamber128. Accordingly water flows from the inlet 110 a to the outlet 110 b.Alternatively, the assembly 100 can be tripped by the change in statesof the first and second solenoid valves E11, E2 in any manner previouslydescribed. The water flow is preferably detected by the intermediatechamber port fluid detector T12 to validate that the system 100 isflowing water. Fluid pressure detected at the intermediate chamber portdetector T12 also de-energizes and closes the first electricallycontrolled point or solenoid valve E11 to prevent water from feeding thediaphragm chamber 128 and allowing the fluid control assembly 100 tofully open. Moreover, the respective controlled closure and opening ofthe first and second solenoid valves prevents re-pressurizing the fluidchamber 128 and the reengagement of the inlet member 116 b and inletseat 116 a. Again, the preferred valve assembly 100 provides that thepreferred diaphragm chamber 128 does not re-pressurize and close thediaphragm valve 112 a during a fire event in which there is a primaryand/or secondary power loss. In the event of a power loss, the electriclatch maintains the fluid control assembly 100 in the open positionpreferably until such time as the assembly is manually reset.

Alternatively, remote or automatic resetting of the valve assembly 100can be provided by appropriate operation of the first and secondcontrolled points or preferred solenoid valves E11, E12. In onepreferred method of resetting the system, the second solenoid valve E12is closed and the first solenoid valve E11 is opened to pressurize thediaphragm chamber 128. When the fluid detector T14 at the diaphragmchamber detects a stable pressure, the preferred solenoid valves E14,E15 at the outlet and intermediate chamber ports 124, 126 are opened todrain the system piping BP. In one preferred embodiment of, once theoutlet port fluid detector T11 indicates no pressure (0 psig), anotification is preferably given to appropriate personnel at thecontroller 420 or remotely therefrom to replace any operated sprinklers402. The outlet and intermediate chamber solenoid valves E14, 15 arethen closed and the system piping BP is permitted to re-pressurize withthe compressed gas G to the system unactuated operating pressure. Whenthe outlet port fluid detector T11 indicates proper system pressure forthe unactuated state, the controller 420 is preferably reset and anotification is sent to appropriate personnel of a satisfactory systemreset.

During the actuation or tripping of the system 400, the inlet port fluiddetector T13 in combination with the controller 420 monitors and recordsthe fluid pressure over time. It is anticipated that the pressuresignificantly drops when the valve body 112 first operates and then asthe rest of the assembly 100 and network of pipes BP fills with water,the pressure increases and stabilizes for the number of open sprinklers(i.e., end head pressure is stabilized). The controller 420 with theinlet port fluid detector T13 can determine the time to stabilization ofwater pressure, which can be used to help validate calculated waterdelivery times using fluid delivery time software. The water deliverytime is defined as the time from the operation of the fluid controlvalve or assembly to the moment of delivery to an open sprinkler atoperating pressure.

In the unactuated state of the system 400, the inlet port fluid detectorT13 preferably in combination with the controller 420 preferablyperiodically or continuously monitors the water supply for any one ofpressure for a given point of time, variation in pressure over time,average pressure over time, pressure surges, and pressure drops. Thepressure spikes or variations can be evaluated to identify the potentialfor such spikes or variations to cause false trips or other problems ofthe assembly 100. Pressure drops at the inlet port 122 can be evaluatedto determine if there is inadequate water pressure for proper systemoperation in event of a fire. Any detected over pressure variation orspikes at the inlet fluid detector T13 and the controller 420 could beused to determine the need for system adjustments in order to preventfalse trips. In another example, static and average water supplypressure can be automatically measured by the inlet fluid detector T13at predetermined frequency, such as for example, quarterly. Moreover,the inlet fluid detector T13 can provide at a desired frequency, e.g.,quarterly, a static and/or an average water supply pressure output fordocumentation. In one preferred aspect, the inlet solenoid valve E17 canbe opened and then inlet fluid detector T13 to provide a residualpressure determination for output and documentation; the inlet solenoidvalve E17 is subsequently closed. The fluid values can be compared toreadings when the system 400 was first placed in service. Evaluation ofthe readings below the initial or “normal” values can define arecordable event that indicates an impaired water supply may affectsystem performance.

In the unactuated state of the system 400, the intermediate port fluiddetector T12 preferably periodically or continuously monitors theintermediate chamber 118 for an atmospheric pressure condition beingpresent. Detection of increased fluid pressure at the intermediate port126 and chamber 118 can indicate that the valve body 112 has an internalleak. A detected pressure at the detector T12 equal to the inlet fluiddetector T13 can indicate that the system has tripped when the solenoidvalve E16 between the fluid detector T12 and the inlet port 122 is inthe normal closed position. A detected pressure above atmospheric at theintermediate port fluid detector T12 can also indicate leakage at eitherthe water seat leakage or air set leakage. If the intermediate portfluid detector T12 senses an incremental pressure, the associatedelectrically operated solenoid valve E15 can temporarily open to relievepressure until the event is corrected. The rate at which the detectedincreases pressure over time, as sensed by the detector T12, can beindicative of the size of the leak at the seat(s) 114 a, 116 a. Theintermediate electrically operated solenoid valve E15 is preferablynormally closed and preferably signaled opened intermittently to relievea level or rate of increased fluid pressure as detected by the fluiddetector T12. Accordingly, the intermediate port fluid detector T12,solenoid valve E15 and controller 420 can provide for an electricautomatic drain valve that can be coupled with remote communication toprovide or enhance remote system testing, operation, monitoring,maintenance and/or set-up of the valve assembly 100 and system 400 orany other system in which it is desirable to remotely regulate theinternal pressure. By sensing for a seat leakage, the fluid detector T12with controlled operation of the solenoid valve E15 can prevent falsewaterflow alarms and possible system trips.

Moreover, the preferred automatic fluid control assemblies can validateproper trip conditions and non-trip conditions of the double-interlockedsystem 400. For example, should a detector 404 inadvertently operate oran electric pull station be opened, the first Zone 1 of the controller420 would be activated, but would not signal open the second solenoidvalve E12 thereby preventing an unnecessary trip of the system. Theintermediate port fluid detector T12 can validate the non-trip orunactuated condition by continuously reading a normal atmosphericpressure. Similarly, the intermediate port fluid detector T12 canvalidate another non-trip or unactuated condition of the system where asprinkler is accidentally opened or broken away from the pipes BP by anon-fire condition. For example, should a sprinkler 302 be accidentallyopened by accidental contact with a forklift, a loss of air pressure inthe network of pipes BP will result. Outlet fluid detector T12 wouldactivate Zone 2 of the controller 420, but the controller 420 would notsignal open the second control solenoid valve E2 thereby preventing anunnecessary trip of the system. Again, the intermediate port fluiddetector T12 can validate the non-trip or unactuated condition bycontinuously reading a normal atmospheric pressure.

The intermediate port fluid detector T12 can also provide for water flowvalidation or provide a preferred non-mechanical “water flow alarm.”Validation can be conducted at a predetermined frequency in which thesolenoid valve E16 is opened and the pressure monitored by theintermediate port fluid detector T12. The fluid pressure is monitored todetermine or verify that the fluid pressure increases from atmosphericto equivalent of the inlet pressure detected at the inlet fluid detectorT13. The detected change in fluid pressure can be signaled as a “waterflow alarm” at the controller 420 for notification to operating ormaintenance personnel locally or remotely. Once the periodic test isconcluded the intermediate solenoid valve E16 can be closed and theother solenoid valve E15 can be signaled to be temporarily opened todrain the interconnected lines. The intermediate fluid detector T12 canpreferably provide a documented history of the water flow alarm test.

In the unactuated state of the system 400, the fluid or diaphragmchamber detector T14 in connection with the controller 420 at thepreferred diaphragm chamber port 130 preferably periodically orcontinuously monitors the diaphragm chamber 128 water supply for any oneof pressure for a given point of time, variation in pressure over time,average pressure over time, pressure surges, and pressure drops. Thedetected diaphragm chamber pressure is preferably continuously comparedto the pressure detected by the inlet port detector T13. Differences inthe two pressures can be used to evaluate conditions leading up to aninadvertent and unexplained tripping of the system.

In the unactuated state of the system 400, the outlet port fluiddetector T11 in combination with the controller 420 preferablyperiodically or continuously monitors the system air or gas pressure forany one of: pressure for a given point of time, variation in pressureover time, average pressure over time, pressure surges, and/or pressuredrops. Monitoring the loss of air pressure over time can be evaluated todetermine or validate operation of a sprinkler 402 versus a leak in thesystem piping BP. Detection of a decay or decreasing pressure at theoutlet port 124 at a rate greater than what is capable of beingautomatically replenished by the compressed gas supply G, with theintermediate chamber pressure at a normal atmospheric condition, and inthe absence of a detected fire by the detectors 404 can be used toindicate inadvertent operation of a sprinkler 402. The rate of changeover time at the outlet port fluid detector T11 can be compared andevaluated against other collected data such as for example the ambienttemperature changes detected by sensor(s) A1 to validate an inadvertentsprinkler operation as compared to a proper thermally actuated sprinklerresponse to a fire.

Moreover, the outlet port fluid detector T11 can monitor and validatethe compressed gas supply G for proper system operation. For example, ata predetermined frequency, e.g., quarterly, the outlet fluid detectorT11 monitors air pressure at the outlet 110 b and the electricallyoperated solenoid valve E14 is opened to slowly decrease air pressure.At a predetermined low air setting, for example at the controller 420, alow air alarm can be signaled and the low air condition validated. Theoutlet port solenoid valve E14 can then be signaled to a closedposition, and the outlet fluid detector T11 can validate or verify thatthe air supply in the network of pipes BP is automatically returned to anormal operating pressure. The fluid detector T11 can be used to providedocumented history of both the low air testing and automatic air supplytesting.

The preferred automatic fluid control assembly 100 can also provide forother remote testing of the system 400 and its various operationalcomponents. More particularly, the fluid control assembly 100 canprovide for remote trip testing of the system 400 without flooding thesystem with the water or other firefighting fluid. In the preferredmethod, the shut-off valve E9 is preferably electrically signaled closedand the second electrically operated solenoid valve E14 at the outletport 124 is signaled opened. Upon release of a sufficient amount ordecay in the air pressure, the outlet fluid detector T11 can provide fora low pressure actuation signal at the second zone Zone 2 of thereleasing panel or controller 420 to indicate proper system operationfor low pressure detection and actuation. The controller 420 can recorda proper non-water flow condition upon the loss of air (sprinkler) onlyin which the first zone Zone 1 of the panel in activated. To detectproper system detection of air pressurization, the second outlet valveE14 can be signaled closed to permit the delivered gas or air fromsource G to pressure the outlet 110 b of the assembly 100. The fluiddetector T11 can detect and signal a proper gas pressure condition inthe network of pipes BP. A proper non-flow condition for thedouble-interlock system 400 can be tested in which there is a firedetection signal but no loss in air pressure. The first zone Zone 1 ofthe controller 420 is activated to simulate a fire detection. Withoutthe second zone Zone 2 activated, the preferred diaphragm chamber fluiddetector T14 detects and signals that there is no waterflow or change inchamber pressure. The controller 420 can record a proper non-flowcondition on a first zone Zone 1 activation or simulated fire detectiononly.

In the preferred remote trip test, the sprinkler piping BP is not filledwith water and maintains its internal gas pressure as detected by thepiping fluid detector T15. To perform the test, each of the first andsecond zones Zone 1, Zone 2 is activated. More specifically, zone Zone 1of the controller 420 is remotely activated to simulate a fire and thefirst output solenoid valve E13 is signaled open to release air from theoutlet and simulate an actuated sprinkler and activate the second zoneZone 2 of the controller 420. Accordingly, the first solenoid valve E11can be de-energized closed and the second solenoid valve E12 signaledopen to relieve pressure from the diaphragm chamber 128 so as to tripthe assembly 100 and deliver water from the inlet 110 a to the outlet110 b and out the outlet solenoid valve E13. Water flow and/or pressuredetected by intermediate chamber fluid detector T12 validates the properfluid flow and signals the controller 420 accordingly.

Under the preferred remote trip test, the diaphragm valve 112 a is resetand system pressurization is verified. Thus, the second solenoid valveE12 is closed and the first solenoid vale E11 is energized open topressurize the diaphragm chamber 128 to stop the flow of water from theinlet 110 a to the outlet 110 b. Once the inlet fluid detector T13indicates stable pressure, the first output solenoid valve E13 is closedand the outlet 110 b is automatically pressurized with air from sourceG. When the outlet fluid detector T11 signals normal system pressure andis preferably substantially equivalent to the pressure detected by thefluid detector T15 along the branch pipes BP, the system shut-off valveE9 is opened. All fluid detectors are evaluated for stability and anyfluid leakage. With the trip test satisfactorily completed, thecontroller 420 preferably records proper detection and response by theassembly 100 to a simulated fire and sprinkler operation.

Again, as previously described, the electrically operated control pointsor solenoid valves E can be used to provide a quick opening device oraccelerator of a system. For example, the outlet port fluid detector T11can monitor the decay in gas pressure within the branch pipe to thethreshold level at which a low air activation of the controller 420 atzone 2 should take place. The detector T11 in combination with thecontroller 420 can define a threshold rate of decay in gas pressure inthe piping BP, such as for example −0.1 psi/sec. drop, which defines anactuated sprinkler condition. Upon detecting the threshold rate, thecontroller 420 can signal operation of the second solenoid valve E12 torelieve fluid pressure in the diaphragm chamber 16 and initiateactuation of the automatic valve assembly 10′. Moreover, the assembly 10and controller 320 can incorporate algorithms for detection of an opensprinkler condition as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,080,to provide for a desired system response time such as for example anaccelerated response time. Additionally, the system 400 can include oneor more including up to four electrically operated solenoid valves E10disposed along the branch line BP and coupled to the centralizedcontroller 420. The solenoid valves E10 are preferably disposed at theend or along the most hydraulically remote portion of the piping BP. Thesolenoid valve(s) E10 can be signaled and operated at a predeterminedfrequency, e.g., quarterly, and the valve(s) E10 can be signaled forsimultaneous or sequential operation to test the response of the systemto air loss. Upon operation of the solenoid valve E10, the outlet portfluid detector T11 can monitor the decay in gas pressure within thenetwork of pipes. The centralized controller 420 can compare the testresults to those prior to validate proper operation of the low thresholdactivation which defines the accelerated operation of the system.

The system 400 preferably includes the fifth fluid detector T15proximate the sprinklers 402 and along the network of pipes BP andpreferably at a remote location from the automatic fluid controlassembly 100 and more preferably proximate the solenoid valves E10,which can serve as an inspector's test connection. In the unactuatedstate of the system 400, the fluid detector T15 in connection with thecontroller 420 preferably periodically or continuously monitors thesystem compressed gas or air for any one of pressure for a given pointof time, variation in pressure over time, average pressure over time,pressure surges, and pressure drops. In addition to its use in theremote trip test, the fluid detector T15 can convey the collected datato the controller 420 and to remote personnel for use, for example, todetect the end-head pressure of water delivered to the remote portion ofthe sprinkler pipes BP and for determining the fluid delivery time ofwater. The fifth fluid detector T15 can be used in conjunction with theinlet port fluid detector T13 and the controller 420 to determinepressure versus time relationship for the system 400 to fill with waterand time for stabilization for the number of open sprinklers (i.e., whenend head pressure is stabilized). The time for stabilization can bereported remotely for validating water delivery times for systemscalculated using fluid delivery time software.

The ambient temperature sensor(s) A1 in connection with the controller420 preferably periodically or continuously monitor the ambienttemperature for the protected area OCC for any one of a given point intime, variation of ambient temperature over time, and average ambienttemperature over time. For dry systems, the gas pressure within thepipes BP can be a function of the ambient temperature of the occupancyOCC. Because water delivery time is a function of gas pressure in thesystem piping, the water delivery time can be a function of the ambienttemperature. Accordingly, the detected ambient temperatures can becombined with fluid flow or pressure readings from fluid detector T15for communication to remote personnel to determine or evaluate the fluiddelivery time. Moreover, the temperature profiles from the detectedambient temperatures can be compared to the pressure changes or profilesrecorded by the fluid detectors T11, T15 at each of the outlet port 124and at the preferred remote location along the network of pipes BP. Thecomparative data can be used to evaluate, troubleshoot, validate and/orcompare and contrast calculated water delivery times under assumedambient conditions to water delivery times determined under actualconditions.

While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certainembodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to thedescribed embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere andscope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by thelanguage of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

1-78. (canceled)
 79. A fluid control assembly, comprising: a firstsolenoid valve coupled with a diaphragm port of a diaphragm valve, thefirst solenoid valve to change, responsive to a first electrical signal,from a first open state allowing fluid flow into the diaphragm port froma first fluid line to a first closed state preventing fluid flow intothe diaphragm port from the fluid control line; and a second solenoidvalve coupling the diaphragm port with a second fluid line, the secondsolenoid valve to change, responsive to a second electrical signal, froma second closed state preventing fluid flow out through the second fluidline to a second open state allowing fluid flow out through the secondfluid line.
 80. The fluid control assembly of claim 79, comprising: afirst fluid detector between the diaphragm port and the first solenoidvalve.
 81. The fluid control assembly of claim 79, comprising: acontroller to transmit at least one of the first electrical signal andthe second electrical signal.
 82. The fluid control assembly of claim79, comprising: a third solenoid valve coupled with an inlet port of thediaphragm valve, the first fluid line coupled with the inlet port. 83.The fluid control assembly of claim 79, comprising: a fourth solenoidvalve coupled with an outlet port of the diaphragm valve.
 84. The fluidcontrol assembly of claim 79, comprising: a check valve between thefirst solenoid valve and the diaphragm port.
 85. The fluid controlassembly of claim 79, comprising: a fifth solenoid valve to releasefluid from an outlet port of the diaphragm valve to a drain.
 86. Thefluid control assembly of claim 79, comprising: the second solenoidvalve is coupled with the first solenoid valve such that the firstelectrical signal energizes the first solenoid valve to close the firstsolenoid valve and causes the second electrical signal to energize thesecond solenoid valve to open the second solenoid valve.
 87. A fluidcontrol system, comprising: a diaphragm valve, comprising: a diaphragmchamber defining a diaphragm port; an inlet; an outlet; and a diaphragmto move, in the diaphragm chamber, based on a release of fluid from thediaphragm chamber through the diaphragm port, between a first statesealing the inlet from the outlet and a second state allowing fluid flowbetween the inlet and the outlet; a first electrical control pointcoupling the diaphragm port with a first fluid line, the firstelectrical control point to change, responsive to being energized, froma first state to a second state to reduce fluid flow from the firstfluid line into the diaphragm chamber through the diaphragm port; and asecond electrical control point coupling the diaphragm port with asecond fluid line, the second electrical control point to change,responsive to being energized, from a third state to a fourth state toincrease fluid flow from the diaphragm chamber into the second fluidline.
 88. The fluid control system of claim 87, comprising: a checkvalve between the first electrical control point and the diaphragm port.89. The fluid control system of claim 87, comprising: an inlet portcoupled with the inlet, the first fluid line couples the inlet port withthe first electrical control point.
 90. The fluid control system ofclaim 87, comprising: the first electrical control point and the secondelectrical control point are solenoid valves.
 91. The fluid controlsystem of claim 87, comprising: a first fluid detector between thediaphragm port and the first solenoid valve.
 92. The fluid controlsystem of claim 87, comprising: a controller to transmit at least one ofthe first electrical signal and the second electrical signal.
 93. Thefluid control system of claim 87, comprising: a third electrical controlpoint coupled with an inlet port of the diaphragm valve, the first fluidline coupled with the inlet port.
 94. The fluid control system of claim87, comprising: a fourth electrical control point coupled with an outletport of the diaphragm valve.
 95. The fluid control system of claim 87,comprising: a fifth electrical control point to release fluid from anoutlet port of the diaphragm valve to a drain.
 96. The fluid controlsystem of claim 87, comprising: the second electrical control point iscoupled with the first electrical control point such that the firstelectrical signal energizes the first electrical control point to closethe first electrical control point and causes the second electricalsignal to energize the second electrical control point to open thesecond electrical control point.
 97. The fluid control system of claim87, comprising: a resetting detector to initiate reset of the firstelectrical control point and the second electrical control point. 98.The fluid control system of claim 87, comprising: a plurality ofsprinklers coupled with the outlet.